The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating the well-earned retirement of K9 Axel, who officially signed off for his final 10-42 at 12:06 p.m. on November 13, 2025.

Since joining the force in 2021, K9 Axel has served as an invaluable partner to his handler, Deputy Scott Bell. The bond between a K9 and their handler is unlike any other, built on trust, dedication, and shared purpose—and the strength of that partnership has been evident throughout Axel’s years of service.

Together, Deputy Bell and K9 Axel have formed a formidable team, responding to countless calls across Henry County. During his career, Axel played a vital role in detecting narcotics, tracking fleeing suspects, locating missing persons, and assisting in the arrest of dangerous offenders. His intelligence, discipline, and unwavering loyalty made him an indispensable member of the department and the community he served.

As K9 Axel hangs up his leash and begins a well-deserved retirement, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt gratitude for his courage and commitment to public safety.

“We wish you a retirement filled with rest, playtime, and plenty of treats—you’ve earned every bit of it.” – HCSD

The City of Mount Pleasant has announced its annual free leaf collection, scheduled for Monday, November 24 and Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

Residents are reminded to have all leaves bagged and placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on their designated collection day:

• Monday, November 24: All residences north of Washington Street

• Tuesday, November 25: All residences south of Washington Street

This free service provides residents with a convenient way to dispose of leaves before winter weather arrives.

For more information, contact City Hall at 319-385-1470 or Public Works at 319-385-1480.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday, November 14, 2025, to review resolutions, road updates, and personnel items during their regular session.

The meeting opened with approval of the agenda and minutes from the November 6 session, with one item continued to a later date.

Temporary Speed Limit on Old Highway 34

County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss presented Resolution 33-25-20, establishing a temporary 45 mph speed limit on Old Highway 34, extending west from 400 feet west of Big Creek Bridge to the Franklin Avenue intersection. The change comes in preparation for the upcoming 235th Street Bridge replacement, which will detour traffic onto Old 34 during construction.

Hotchkiss explained the need for the adjustment, citing increased detour traffic and narrow shoulders along the route. The speed limit will remain in effect for the duration of the bridge project, expected to begin December 1, weather permitting. The resolution passed unanimously on roll call.

Road Department Updates

Hotchkiss reported that territory operators continue reshaping and grading roads ahead of winter. Mowing with a rented skid loader is complete, and plow drivers recently attended a winter maintenance operations class in Ainsworth hosted by the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP).

Crews are wrapping up late-season seeding, aiming to have ground cover in place for next spring.

Hotchkiss also provided updates on the Fremont Avenue culvert project, noting that the contract has been finalized and signed. Scheduling discussions with the contractor will follow.

Next week, Seneca Companies will begin replacing the county’s fuel system at the road department facility. The upgrade involves removing old tanks and installing a new split tank and software system. The project is expected to take one week, during which county vehicles will need to find alternative fueling options.

Road Funding Transfer

Supervisors approved Resolution 33-2025, authorizing a $500,000 transfer from the Community Betterment Fund to the Secondary Road Fund. The transfer, discussed during the county’s budget process earlier this year, utilizes Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) revenue to support road and bridge projects—including the Fremont Avenue culvert replacement.

Hotchkiss clarified that these transfers occur periodically depending on fund balances and project timing, and that LOST dollars have long been used to assist with local road improvements, gravel work, and other infrastructure needs.

Address Change Approved

The supervisors approved Resolution 34-2025, changing the name of Benton Avenue to Benton Road north of Henry-Washington Street to the Washington County line in Jefferson Township. The change follows a recommendation from the E911 Board to resolve addressing confusion for emergency responders.

Supervisors also approved a snow removal contract with M&B Lawn Care. The company submitted the lower bid, charging around $850 per occurrence for plowing and $1,802, when salt treatment is included. JBC Construction had submitted the higher bid of $1,495 for plowing.

The next meeting of the Henry County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18 instead of the normal Thursday meeting.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department has announced the return of its annual Toy Drive, an effort to help local families in need during the holiday season.

The department is currently seeking names of families who may need assistance this year. Submissions can be made anonymously, but organizers ask that those referring families provide the names and ages of children, along with a phone number and address. The deadline to sign up is December 16, 2025.

New toy donations will be accepted until December 19, with distribution set for December 22. Collection boxes are located at the Mount Pleasant Police Department, and donations are intended for local residents only.

Organizers remind the community that this is a toy drive for children—adults over 18 are not eligible. The police department is once again partnering with The Fellowship Cup, Toys for Tots, and several other local organizations and businesses to ensure every family receives the support they need.

Those who have already signed up with another organization will not be eligible to participate in the police department’s drive. Additionally, families who received assistance through the program last year will not be placed on the list this year. Participants must be the custodial parent or guardian of the children being referred.

If any extra gifts remain after distribution, others may be invited to select items the following day. Updates and additional information will be shared on the Mount Pleasant Police Department’s Facebook page.

For questions or to sign up a family, please contact the Mount Pleasant Police Department at 319-385-1450, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The Mount Pleasant City Council met this week to handle a series of routine items, including grant agreements, audit contracts, and park and recreation board appointments.

The meeting opened with approval of the consent agenda and a minor adjustment to the night’s schedule, with one item—9D—removed prior to the vote.

Surface Transportation Projects Move Forward

Two resolutions were approved authorizing Mayor Steve Brimhall to sign agreements with the Iowa Department of Transportation for Surface Transportation Block Grant funding.

The first resolution relates to the Winfield Avenue project, with an estimated total cost of approximately $1.950 million, of which about $1.450 million will be covered through federal aid.

The second resolution authorizes the city to proceed with the trail project near Greenview, a transportation-related improvement estimated at around $500,000.

Both items passed unanimously.

Conflict Waiver with School District Attorneys

Council members also approved a conflict of interest waiver with Ahlers & Cooney, P.C., a law firm used by both the City and the Mount Pleasant Community School District. The waiver allows the school district to continue using the firm for real estate transactions involving property sales to the City. City officials clarified that this is a formality, as no bonding or tax increment financing (TIF) funds are involved.

Annual Audit Contract Approved

The City approved an agreement with Larkin & Company to conduct the fiscal year 2026 audit. City staff praised the firm for its efficiency and professionalism, noting that the auditors completed their work quickly and with minimal disruption to staff.

Community Updates

Library Director Kayleigh Septer invited council members and residents to the Story Walk Grand Opening at Oakland Mills Nature Center, set for Saturday at 10 a.m. The event will include a short program, ribbon-cutting, and a chance to enjoy the new outdoor reading trail.

Septer also shared hopeful news that the Carnegie Corporation of New York may soon award Mount Pleasant’s library $10,000 as part of a nationwide celebration of Carnegie libraries’ enduring legacy.

Closing Remarks

Mayor Brimhall reflected on the recent city election, expressing gratitude to the community for its continued support and acknowledging the challenges of leadership. “It’s been a long campaign and a long day,” he said with a smile. “I’m very happy with the public’s response, but I’ve told folks—I’ll serve these next two years, and that’s it.”

The meeting adjourned following the Mayor’s comments.